Call to observe safety measures

PEOPLE entering food markets should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or sanitise them, says State of Emergency Controller David Manning.
Manning, who is the Police Commissioner, issued the instructions on Wednesday, stating that all markets must operate in adherence to social distancing requirements and safe and hygienic practices.
“Persons who are sick, have flu, cold or fever must not enter the market,” he said. “Persons refused entry must be treated respectfully and directed to return home to seek medical advice.”
Manning said fresh fish, meat and cooked food should be sold in separate dedicated areas.
He said food purchased in the market could not be eaten in the market.
“To improve food safety and reduce the public health risks, promote cooling of all raw meat, fish and poultry through refrigeration, storage on ice preferably below 5°C or at least protection from sunlight and heat,” he said. “Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours.
“Cooked food should be refrigerated promptly.”
Manning said vendors should be encouraged to handle money hygienically.
“One option is for vendors to keep buckets of water with detergent/disinfectant to keep the money in so that it is cleaned upon request when giving cash change to customers,” he said.
Manning added that clean water must always be available for hand-washing, produce wash down and cleaning.
He said where water supply was not available, tanks and other portable water should be provided at the markets for use and urge people to comply with the safety measures that are put in place.